The Threefold Mission of the NASW-NYC Chapter

Addictions Committee

 

       Professional Development

  • Monthly in-service and networking workshops as part of committee meetings for students, professionals, and all interested in the latest innovative clinical topics, good for CASAC and CEU credits.
  • Annual Addictions Institute where professional from all areas of the filed come together for a day of education, discussion, and networking.  This event, since 1968 has been attended by up to 750 people with over 35 Workshops and exhibitors with internationally renowned educators, with all workshops providing CEU, CASAC, and CEAP continuing education credit. Recent themes have included: Gender & Addictions, Addictions Through the Life Cycle, and Evolving Treatments in the New Millennium.  Recent Keynote speakers have included US Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders   and Kitty Dukakis.

 

       Peer Support

  • The Peer Consultation Committee is made up of Addictions Committee members maintaining a free confidential HELP-LINE (212-747-1777) to assist social workers with questions about their own potentially addictive behavior or that of a loved one.  The HELP-LINE  (212-747-1777) has a 24-hour message service and an email link at cfewell@yahoo.com.  The professionals are there to assist you, answer any questions, and provide referrals, if needed, on a completely confidential basis.  Often we do not recognize the use of substances or certain behaviors as problematic, but often when working in this high stress field, we turn to these as coping mechanisms.  The Peer Consultation Committee is here, to not only recognize and help with addictions, but to help identify early warning signs before they progress to a dysfunctional point.

       Political Action and Public Policy

  • Through revenue produced by the Annual Addictions Institute, the committee has been able to contribute to the hiring of the NASW NYC Chapter Lobbyist ensuring that issues concerning addiction treatment are represented in legislation.  Many committee members are on national panels and very involved in policy development and legislation.